A/N: Welcome back. Please enjoy this chapter.

"Strike Witches hajimeru yo!"

London Calling!

- September 13, 1943
- RAF Mildenhall Shared Flight Facilities
- Main Gate — 11:50 Hours

~ Welcome to RAF Mildenhall Open House ~
~ Support Our Troops ~

There were people bustling everywhere. A large stage was being erected in an open area off the main compound and structures that looked very much like festival booths were under construction, as well. Only the presence of television cameras and equipment, bearing the logos of various worldwide news organizations, hinted that this was anything but a local community outreach event.

The seven members of the 'Propaganda Squad' were met at the front gate by a spunky blond-haired corporal clutching a clipboard to her chest and waving frantically. "Yoo-hoo, over here!" The group watched as the girl trotted over to where the transport truck had dropped them. Panting a bit with exertion, she stopped in front of Charlotte and saluted.

"Captain Yeager welcome to Mildenhall Airfield I'm Corporal Donnelly I've been assigned as your liaison during your stay here anything you people need day or night I'm your go-to person just leave it to me."

She gasped for breath after that single run-on sentence.

Although highly amused by the corporal's demeanor, Charlotte managed to maintain her composure and answered the young lady seriously. "Thank you, Corporal. We'll be counting on you, then."

The soldier beamed with pleasure. "Well then, if you would all follow me please?"

The group picked up their bags and followed the corporal into the camp proper. As they moved deeper into the cacophony, it became evident that the structures were gaming booths, food stalls…it looked like a Liberion county fair or a Fuso religious festival.

"Boy, when you guys say 'open house' you aren't kidding," Fiske noted with a bemused look. "They do know there's a war going on, don't they?"

"Oh, yeah. 'Of course, they do," the corporal answered with a grin. "That's just how we are, you know? Steady on. Business as usual. Trains are on tic. Teatime at 2:30." She winked. "Never underestimate Britannish steadfast determination."

— —

After getting her charges settled in their temporary quarters, Corporal Donnelly escorted them to the main building where the public relations office for their briefing with Major Granby, Mildenhall's PR coordinator. Charlotte wondered when military bases started having a PR department in the first place.

The meeting was mercifully short, mostly involving when to be where, the length of the mock engagement, whose hand to shake and appropriate poses for the paparazzi. The major ran them through their paces a couple of times and seemed satisfied with the results. To end the briefing, he handed out folders that contained all the information they had just covered.

"Alright then. I think we have everything sorted, no? Everyone has their timetable?" The flamboyant officer smiled in approval at the affirmative nods he received. "Wonderful! Any questions? No? Super. Okay then, kids. Nice work today. You're on your own until 0830 tomorrow morning. Dismissed."

- RAF Mildenhall Shared Flight Facilities
- Abingdon Hall Guest Quarters — 12:30 Hours

After yesterday's incident with Corporal Fiske and all that had happened afterward, Lynette's feelings for Yoshika had reignited even more strongly. She told herself she wasn't going to just give up. There was something there. She could feel it.

She knew what she wanted. What she needed to do was fight for it.

As it turned out, an opportunity presented itself almost immediately. Lynne had the idea as soon as she found out they were on liberty for the day. She decided to push through with it before she lost her nerve.

"Yoshika-chan? I know this area of London quite well. I attended school in West End."

Yoshika gave her a curious look.

"I know some really interesting places. I could show you around. I-If you would like me too, that is."

The Fuso maiden smiled at the idea of spending time alone with Lynette and answered her enthusiastically, "Hai!"

Lynne was turning cartwheels in her mind. She had someplace special she wanted to share with Yoshika, but she had never thought it would be possible. She couldn't believe her good fortune.

There was a light knock on the door. "Yes?" Yoshika called out. Charlotte stuck her head in. "Hey. We're all going out to wander around the city for a while. You two should come along."

Lynette's joy evaporated instantly. "NO!" she screamed in her head, "no no no no no no no no." She struggled to keep her emotions in check. "Um…well, w-we…I-I mean…" she stammered.

Yoshika noticed her friend's discomfort immediately and came to her rescue. "Actually Shirley-san, Lynne-chan wanted to show me her old school and neighborhood." She smiled brightly. "That's okay, right?"

"Of course it is. You guys have fun. Just be back on base by 2130. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow." She gave the girls a wink. "Stay out of trouble." The door shut and the tension visibly flowed out of Lynne's body.

"Thank you Yoshika-chan." Lynne said gratefully.

"Sure," Yoshika answered warmly, continuing to put her clothes away. "I was looking forward to spending time with you, too."

Fiske and Mallory were waiting for the others in the barracks entrance hall. Fiske stood up when he spotted Charlotte and Francesca approaching.

"So, will they be joining us?" he asked, wondering why the two had arrived alone.

"They've already made their plans for the day," Charlotte told him. "How about Lieutenant Hughes? Is he going to tag along?"

"Nope. He had some documents to drop off with the base CO," Fiske answered. "Afterwards, he said he plans to visit with family."

"Ok. Well, just us then," exclaimed the redhead cheerfully. "Let's go get up to something."

London was simply overwhelming for Yoshika. Everywhere she turned, she saw something new and fascinating. Having been born and raised in a medium-sized coastal village the sheer volume of people was mind boggling, in and of itself. West End, where Lynette had brought her, was an area dominated by bookstores, art galleries, and performance spaces.

Lynette loved the curiosity, enthusiasm, and delight Yoshika showed toward everything new. Her petite angel seemed to have an unquenchable thirst for learning. Although she hid it well underneath her bouncy and air-headed personality, Yoshika was quite the little intellectual. Over the course of their time together, Lynette was often astounded by breadth and depth of her knowledge of random and seemingly unrelated subjects.

Lynne took note that Yoshika's only large purchase wasn't for herself, but for her grandmother. A leather-bound first edition by chemist Bowden Grey, easily costing three months' wages. She looked on with adoration as the tiny brunette paged through the book mumbling excitedly. "…sugoi…cross-referenced formulary…liner notes…case studies…she'll absolutely love this."

The chestnut-haired cutie practically danced up to the checkout counter, clasping the book close to her chest. In Lynette's eyes, Yoshika was shining like the sun.

As they continued shopping and chatting, seeing the sights and enjoying each other's company, the war and the problems of the world seemed to fade to insignificance. Four hours had passed without either one noticing until Yoshika's stomach growled in protest. A light pink flush colored her cheeks. Lynette found her embarrassment rather adorable.

"We should get some lunch Yoshika-chan. I'm getting a bit hungry too." She looked around to get her bearings. "Oh, I know just the place. Come on."

Taking the younger girl's hand, she led her down the sidewalk. Soon they were standing in front of a classic brick structure with large bay windows overlooking an outdoor garden and dining area. Even the outdoor tables were covered in fine linen and set with sparkling crystal glassware and sterling silver utensils. Above the door was an expertly crafted wooden sign reading 'Foxcroft & Ginger.'

Yoshika's eyes widened in panic and she ground to a halt. She didn't imagine she could even afford a slice of cake from a place like this, let alone lunch. Lynne was puzzled to see the normally unreserved Yoshika look intimidated until she gave it some thought. Knowing the cute little Fuso girl was from humble origins, she decided to take the initiative for once and help her feel comfortable in this strange environment.

"Lunch is on me, Yoshika-chan. Don't worry about a thing," Lynne said excitedly. "My family runs an account here and I've never even come close to the limit." Seeing the look on Lynne's face was all it took for Yoshika to overcome her unease. She allowed herself to be led onto the terrace.

After a long and leisurely lunch, the two girls went back to strolling the sidewalks. As they were walking past a creamery, Lynette was once more seized by inspiration. She had Yoshika wait for her on the sidewalk and quickly ran in. She returned with two chocolate milkshakes.

Yoshika accepted the offered treat, and her face lit up after her first sip. "Sugoi!" she exclaimed, looking up wide-eyed. "Lynne-chan, this…this is awesome!" The Britannian beauty giggled in delight at her friends' reaction.

The lengthening shadows signaled afternoon was well underway. Lynette, who had been uncharacteristically outgoing all day, suddenly seemed to revert to her normal self. She stopped walking and when Yoshika turned towards her questioningly, the honey brown-haired girl gave her a shy glance. This moment had been her goal the entire day. She simply couldn't back down now.

"A-actually Yoshika-chan…there is a place I wanted to take you. A very special place to me. Where I used to go, whenever I needed to be alone," she managed to say, looking bashfully into Yoshika's eyes. "I've never taken anyone there before. But I-I would really like to share it with you."

Yoshika couldn't believe what she was hearing. This entire day had been like some wonderful dream. Spending time alone with the girl she loved. Learning more about her and about the city she had grown up in. And now…the ease with which Lynne was opening up to her. Was it possible? Could she still, maybe, have a chance with her after all?

"I'll be happy to go wherever you want to take me, Lynne-chan," she answered quietly.

- Regent's Park, London, Britannia
- Residence of Lady Ellen Darnell — 17:05 Hours

The residential neighborhoods were quiet and peaceful, quite a contrast from the rest of the city surrounding them. They approached an elegant row home, a stately granite affair with wrought-iron accents.

"This is my aunt's home. I lived here whilst I attended Gladwyyn." She opened the gate for Yoshika and gestured for her to enter. "She should be out of the country right now, but the staff will be on duty." She rang the doorbell and soon a serious-looking older man wearing a black formal suit opened the door.

The man's serious demeanor disappeared as soon as he saw who was standing at the door. He smiled happily, his eyes crinkling with unconcealed joy. "Miss Lynette! How wonderful to see you. Please. Come right in." He opened the door fully and bowed as they entered.

"Hello, Klaus. I've missed you so much," she said warmly. "How is everyone? How is Marci?"

"Everyone is quite well, Miss," Klaus answered, as he took the girls' coats. "But look at you. You're all grown up now, and so quickly! Your brothers and your aunt have kept us informed of your career. May I say, Miss, we are all quite proud of you."

The effusive praise caused Lynette to squirm a bit, self-consciously. "Thank you, Klaus." She turned to introduce the girl she was with. "Klaus, this is Sergeant Miyafuji Yoshika. She is my squad-mate and a very close friend."

Klaus faced Yoshika and bowed to her deeply. "It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Miyafuji. I thank you for your service. You are very welcome in our home."

Yoshika politely returned the bow. "Thank you, sir."

The servant led the two into the house proper. "Well, what brings you by this fine evening? Would you like us to prepare a dinner for you and your friend?"

"Oh, no, thank you. We had a late lunch. We're on liberty and I just thought I'd show Yoshika around the city a bit," Lynne explained. "We actually came by so I could show her the arboretum, if that's alright."

"Of course it is Miss. You don't even need to ask. This will always be your home as well, after all." Klaus assured her. "Are you sure I can't get you anything? Tea perhaps?"

"Very well," Lynne finally relented, with a smile "If you could send some tea up, that would be wonderful."

The old butler's expression lightened considerably when he saw that smile. She seemed to be doing well, thank goodness. "I'll see to it, Miss," he called out, leaving the room with a lighter step than when he entered. He couldn't wait to tell his wife who had come home.

- South London, Britannia
 - Strolling aimlessly — 17:45 Hours

The four wandering pilots had sampled almost every type of food they could find from the various street vendors, watched pavement artists, struggled through two acts of an open-air performance of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' and threw money in Trafalgar Square Fountain.

As evening was coming on, they found themselves in an older section of the city. Wandering semi-aimlessly, slowly making their way back to the airbase, Charlotte and Fiske were trailing behind the two youngsters.

"Arrrgh!" Francesca griped loudly. "Bored now. There's gotta be something else to do." She looked sideways at Mallory and the Liberion boy shrugged his shoulders. "Don' look at me. Ah got nothin'."

"What do you guys normally do for fun when you're off duty?" Fiske asked.

Before Charlotte could answer, there was a metallic crashing sound from the alleyway they had just walked past. A woman's voice called out for help but was cut short. The group glanced at each other briefly, then ran back to the mouth of the alley.

At the far end, two rather rough-looking thugs were tormenting their prey, a well-dressed older couple who looked completely out of their element. The tall one was holding the two at knife-point, while the fat one rifled through the woman's purse.

Francesca gave Charlotte a pleading look "Shirley…can I?"

"Knock yourself out kiddo," the older girl grinned. "You need to work off some of that nervous energy anyway."

With a loud whoop, the twin-tailed terror invoked her spirit animal and launched herself down the dark alley at top speed. Startled by the loud noise, 'Knife Guy' (as Francesca had dubbed him in her mind) turned to the source of the sound. All that registered in the split-second before impact was a four-foot-nothing blur of sneakers and pigtails.

She jumped, throwing her right leg out and rigid, allowing momentum to do most of the work. There was a loud crack as the man's jaw was dislocated. He reeled for an instant and then dropped like a log.

The momentum carried her past her target, hurtling towards a dumpster. She tucked her body and spun to land on the dumpster's edge, immediately shoving off to leap on 'Fat Guy,' who was still holding the purse. She had actually planned all this out ahead of time. Shirley was going to be so proud of her.

She nailed 'Fat Guy' square in the gut, knocking the wind out of him and dumping him, unceremoniously, on his ass. He already looked scared out of his wits but, just to juice him a bit more, Francesca gave him a guttural snarl, baring her fang menacingly.

'Fat Guy' scrambled to his feet and ran, screaming in terror. 'Knife Guy' was out cold and wouldn't be waking up anytime soon. It was done so quickly the victims were unsure what had just happened. Francesca stooped to retrieve the woman's purse.

"Here you are, ma'am. Are you hurt at all?"

The older woman stared at the little Romagnan, dumbfounded. "Umm…no…no…I'm fine. T-thank you so much, Miss...?"

"Ensign Francesca Lucchini, at your service," she answered brightly, throwing a snappy salute in the process. Charlotte's loud whistle pierced the air. "Oops, gotta go. You guys be careful out there. Ciao!" She scampered back to the group.

Mallory was applauding and pumping his fist in the air. "That was so awesome, Lucchini," he enthused. "Whadda ya call that first move? That was, like, devastating."

"Hmmm…" Francesca thought for a moment. "I'll call it 'Super Lucchini Kick'," she announced, striking a pose and giving a thumbs up. Sharing a laugh, the group continued on down the street.

"Ah," Fiske observed. "So this is what you guys do for fun."

Charlotte gave him a lopsided grin. "Eh, it beats Canasta."

Yoshika followed behind Lynne as they ascended the carpeted stairs. She felt hyper-aware of the subtle cues the older girl's body language was giving off. Whatever it was Lynne wanted to show her, she knew it was something meaningful and deeply personal. Rather than try to create a lighter atmosphere, as she normally would, Yoshika decided to follow her lead.

They reached the fourth floor and Lynne strode purposefully up to a set of heavy oak double-doors, pushing them open and then turned and gestured for Yoshika to enter. The Fuso girl crossed the threshold and found herself standing in a large-but-cozy antechamber, with a lush grayish-tan carpet, built-in bookcases comprising the two far walls were fronted by a number of overstuffed easy chairs. Beyond that, a single step down brought one into the main room — the arboretum, itself. This single room ran the length of the town home, with the southwest wall comprised of glass from floor to ceiling, and part of the roof as well. The afternoon sun painted the interior brick a deep, mellow orange.

There were flowers and plants everywhere. The scent that filled the room — not only of plant life but of soil and moisture — was indescribable. The darker room décor and the bright foliage contrasted in a pleasant, organic fashion. A feeling of utter peace suffused the room.

"This is my special place Yoshika-chan," Lynne stated simply.

Yoshika was at a loss for words. She didn't know a place like this existed in Western culture. It felt to her as if she were in the Britannish version of a zen garden. "It's wonderful, Lynne-chan."

The bashful Britannian tentatively took Yoshika by the hand and led her to a couch on the far side of the room, while the little Fuso healer tried to take in everything. "Some of these are medicinal herbs," she noted with interest.

"Really?"

"Hai," Yoshika explained. "This is Crocosmia Aurea. It's used for treating dysentery. And this is Actaea Racemosa. It can be used to treat muscle inflammation and arthritis."

Lynette gave her an embarrassed smile. "I thought they were just pretty flowers."

"They are also that," Yoshika smiled back.

There was a light knock at the door, a maid entered carrying a large silver tray. Before Yoshika was able to blink twice, the maid had set everything up on the coffee table in front of them. An elegant porcelain-and-brass teapot that looked as if were worth a king's ransom, matching tableware, a carafe of fresh cream, sugar cubes and a tray of biscuits. She bowed and was gone as quickly as she came.

Lynne poured tea for them both and they settled back, enjoying a comfortable silence. Eventually, Lynne stood up and slowly walked around the room, making physical contact with many of the objects in the room. An ornate world globe, perched on one of the reading tables. A statue, or award, of some kind on a bookshelf. A phonograph. She appeared almost nostalgic.

"When I started attending classes at Gladwyyn, I was so nervous. I was the new kid," She gave a self-depreciating laugh. "Three years later, when I graduated, I was still the 'new kid.'"

She turned to face Yoshika, wearing a soft, bittersweet smile.

"Mother died when I was 10. My brothers had just graduated and were already enlisted in the military. My sister left home years ago. So there was only myself and f-father. I was accepted into Gladwyyn, and my aunt Ellen — my mother's sister — offered to let me live here. I discovered this room a few days after I arrived. It quickly became my favorite place…to read, to study or just be alone with my thoughts."

Sighing softly, she turned to face the bookcase once more.

"When I'm here, it's like the world doesn't exist. Nothing can disturb me here. Nothing can reach me here," she whispered, her fingers absently stroking the spine of a book. "He can't touch me here."

Yoshika realized immediately that last statement had slipped out so subconsciously that Lynette herself was unaware she had said it. Suddenly everything fell into place in her mind and solidified her deepest suspicions. Lynne's reticent personality, her discomfort with strangers, her difficulty dealing with men, her awkwardness in social settings, her stutter…

Having lived with and fought beside Lynette, she had seen the girl face fears and overcome them. She knew Lynette was a strong person. But this pain, this fear…it was too dark, too horrible to be borne alone. In a world without a mother, without anyone to trust, without anyone to talk to, the pressure to preserve her family's social status — Lynne had no choice but to turn inward to protect whatever part of herself she still had.

The sudden revelation was almost too much for Yoshika. Knowing that Lynne had to carry this fear and this hurt for all this time, and all alone…she had to stop herself from bursting into tears. She wanted nothing more at this moment than to gather the older girl in her arms and protect her with all that she had. What little psychological knowledge she possessed told her that now was not the time for that.

Lynne was opening to her now, more and more; however, when one is the most open is also when they are the most vulnerable. However, being comfortable enough around Yoshika that she could let some things slip out, even if only subconsciously, aided in relieving the pressure on her mind.

Yoshika knew she could do nothing directly. She didn't have proper training. She could easily do more harm than good. What she could do was be there for her, help to support her emotionally and do her best to guide Lynne into seeking out someone who could help her.

She had calmed herself enough that she could speak without her voice breaking, but still, it was an effort to keep her tone neutral. "I can see why this place is so special to you Lynne-chan. Thank you for sharing it with me."

"You are my dearest friend, Yoshika-chan. I have never had someone in my life that I could trust so completely," Lynne stated sincerely. "You've helped me so much, just by being my friend, I can't begin to tell you what that *yawwwn* means to me."

Yoshika patted the empty spot on the sofa next to her. "You look a bit tired, Lynne-chan. We still have three and a half hours before we have to report in. We've got time to catch a quick nap."

Lynne nodded and sat down. She didn't object when Yoshika slipped an arm around her shoulder and guided her down to rest her head in Yoshika's lap — just being together in the peaceful silence.

Lynette gave a contented sigh. "Thank you."

"Hmmm?"

"For today," she continued. "For this. For being my friend."

"The same goes for me Lynne-chan," Yoshika replied sincerely.

"After I met you, I realized something." Lynette murmured sleepily. "Something important."

"What did you realize?" Yoshika asked quietly, gently stroking Lynette's loose tresses.

"You can't really appreciate how beautiful something is unless you share it with someone," she whispered. Soon her breathing became soft and even. She was fast asleep, safe under Yoshika's tender gaze.

Honey-gold light poured into the small arboretum, cast by the slowly setting sun, giving everything it touched an almost ethereal glow. The cityscape below had already fallen to the cool oranges and purples of dusk. Streetlights began to flare on, here and there, like stars twinkling in the night sky.

"You're right Lynne-chan. It is beautiful." Yoshika thought, her emotions catching in her throat. "And I'm so very happy that you chose me to share it with."